News

The Westside Community Health Advisory Committee on November 21, 2015 at the Bibleway Church located at 453 Wheatland Avenue,conducted a community conversation on the topic “Wounded Places: confronting Childhood PTSD in America’s Shell Shocked Cities”. "Combat vets and survivors of wars and natural disasters aren’t the only people susceptible to PTSD. Too many of our children, especially children of color living in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty, show the effects of unrelenting structural racism, street violence, domestic instability and other adversities. Their symptoms look a lot like post-traumatic stress disorder. Except for many, there is no “post.” It illustrates how a strong start for all our kids leads not only to better learning, earning, and physical and mental health but also to a healthier, safer, better educated, more prosperous nation.

This subject matter is part of a national campaign aimed to reframe the way we look at early child health and development. It illustrates how a strong start for all our kids leads not only to better learning, earning, and physical and mental health but also to a healthier, safer, better educated, more prosperous nation.

On December 9, 2015 a second community discussion was held on the same topic in response to the issues raised at the November 21, 2015 conversation. Community resources was made available at this session to assist in addressing the issues of crime, trauma and the effects of PTSD. As a result of this discussion there were inquires of "Where is the Youth perspective on this issue?" In response to the this concern three opportunities for youth viewing of the episode and discussion were held at three different locations. The last youth discussion was on January 30, 2016.

A panel discussion on this topic is being held on February 25, 2016 at 6:00 PM at the Bibleway Church located at 453 Wheatland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43204. An update on the results of the youth discussion will also be provided.